The 10th annual CinefestOZ Film Festival kicks off this month. Scoop caught up with CinefestOZ CEO Malinda Nixon to get her top 5 reasons why you should get your tickets now!
1. Film Prize Finalists
The CinefestOZ $100,000 Film Prize is presented to an Australian feature length film that shows excellence in filmmaking. This year’s four finalists, Ali’s Wedding, Australia Day, Jungle and Three Summers, all have screenings at CinefestOZ 2017. 'These screenings are an interesting way for people to just come in and experience great quality Australian films,' says Malinda, 'especially as all four films are so different in how they interpret and explore Australian life and culture.'2. ‘In Conversation’ events
Hosted by a number of top venues across the south west, the CinefestOZ 'In Conversation' events provide anyone and everyone with the opportunity to learn about film from critically acclaimed writers, producers, directors and actors. ‘The intimate settings allow you to mix and mingle with filmmakers to discuss their latest film ventures and creative processes,' says Malinda. We all know the best thing to have with good food is excellent conversation, so make sure you catch Ben Elton’s ‘In Conversation: Three Summers’ event, which comes complete with a four-course Mediterranean-style shared lunch at Rustico at Hayshed Hill.3. Side Bars
If red carpet glitz and glamour isn't for you, the Side Bar entertainment at this year’s Festival is worth adding to your itinerary. A programme of short films ‘all offer slightly different experiences’, including a Sunday Gala Showcase at the Lord Forrest Hotel in Bunbury showing a selection of Australian short films, and the Side Bar at The Unwind Bar, which has a unique and delicious menu for anyone looking to grab some grub while they relax with a film.4. Indigifest
IndigifestOZ provides a platform for Aboriginal stories and artists to be heard through a range of feature films, Side Bar short films and free community screenings. One of the highlights has to be a guided tour of Margaret River’s Jewel Cave, which finishes with an Indigenous Showcase of short films at the Jewel Cave Café. Also worth a look is the Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) exhibition featuring documentary film Namatijira Project at the New Courtroom, Courthouse Gallery.5. Western Australian Films
Show some support for local filmmakers by grabbing tickets to screenings of The Gateway and The Pink House, two WA-made films that look set to make a big impact. Sci-fi thriller The Gateway stars Myles Pollard and Jacqueline Mackenzie, and tells the story of a particle physicist who uses a revolutionary machine to bring her dead husband back to life. Also catch the WA premiere of documentary The Pink House, which follows the real-life story of Madam Carmel and her longest-serving sex worker Simone. The CinefestOZ Film Festival 2017 is at various venues across Busselton, Margaret River and Bunbury from August 23-27. Find out more. Get tickets
